Page 46 of Knot Giving Up 2

“Absolutely not.”

In seconds, Ellis and Dante are by my side, each with an arm almost pressed against mine, though not completely touching. I smile at their possessiveness. “I’ve already got my alphas.”

Ava scowls and stomps out the front door.

***

The massive windows in this restaurant have to be fifteen feet high and I’m pretty sure the sconces cost more than my first car, but the atmosphere is very Parisian and a perfect spot for a nice evening out with my best friend and two of my men.

“Is this fish?” Ellis whispers to Dante as he takes in the beige protein on his plate. “I didn’t know what turbot meunière was when I ordered it?”

“Well, it cost $190, so eat your French fish,” Dante chuckles.

Emily pushes her pasta around her plate without taking a bite. Then all in one breath, like she’s been holding it in and can’t wait anymore, she says, “Ok. So, I’m kinda seeing someone, and you might not be happy about it.”

“Why not? It’s been forever since you’ve dated anyone. This is great.” I give her hand a little squeeze across the table. Things with Lucas must have progressed past the flirting stage.

“If he makes you happy, then I’m happy for you, Em.” Ellis eyes her plate. “I should have ordered something with pasta.” Grabbing his fork, Ellis reaches over to steal a bite of Em’s food.

“Let her finish.” Dante’s gaze is sharp and assessing. Does he know something else about this?

Em swallows a sip of water before continuing. “His name is Declan.”

Oh. That takes me by surprise. It seemed like she was really into Lucas.

“He lives in Charlotte, not too far from us actually, and he’s really… um, well, he’s…ugh, this is awkward.” Em’s eyes dart towards her brother and then away to lock on me. “He’s… older. But, oh my goodness, he smells delicious. Like the Rocky Mountains. Cedar. Evergreens and forest trails. You know, the alpha who came in with the dog the other day? His dog’s name is Gunner. He works for the DEA, the Drug Enforcement Administration. France asked for extra help with drug control, so he volunteered. And—”

“Wait, are you saying your boyfriend works for the DEA?” Ellis’s voice is lower than I’ve ever heard.

“Emily! Those are the people that track and arrest drug users! Including… you know…” My hand goes to my chest and my voice squeaks as I trail off.

“How did that even happen?” Ellis asks.

“Well, after he searched your room, he caught up with me at the elevator and… we got to talking. He took me to breakfast.”

Dante reaches for his glass of water. Wine would have been good all around, but we decided to be responsible athletes and hydrate. Such a lame decision now as I’m about to be going on double-dates with a frickin’ cop.

“Do you think there’s any chance he could be getting close to you because he’s suspicious about us?” Dante asks.

“What? No!” Em looks from her brother, to Dante, to me. Her eyes pleading. I’ve never seen her this way over a guy before. “How could… I mean, he wouldn’t…”

I don’t want her thinking the worst of a guy she clearly really likes, but I also don’t want to see her hurt, if Dante’s right. “Maybe just take it slow, okay? Be careful.”

Ellis sighs and pokes his entrée with his fork. “Does he like fish?”

She pushes her plate of pasta at him and downs nearly a whole glass of water before gasping from drinking too fast. “I was so nervous to tell you.”

I squeeze her hand reassuringly. But the comfort is an outward show for my friend and not a reflection of what I feel. I really hope she’s right about Declan.

Em gives me a radiant smile. “I think you’re really gonna like him if you give him a chance.”

Picking up my fork, I try for bravery and spear a piece of Ellis’s fish. “He does look good in the uniform. I’ll give you that.”

Dante growls possessively, and Ellis slides a hand up my thigh. I shake my head at their misplaced jealousy, but there’s a big grin on my face. I love when they get all growly.

My bestie shoots me a relieved look and a thankful smile. I try to imagine what I would ask her if he was just any other man with a dog, instead of a DEA agent who could easily ruin my life. "So, has his dog ever licked your toes while you were hooking up?"

Ellis grabs his napkin to avoid doing a spit take while Em laughs. And before long, I'm telling them all about how a high school make-out session was ruined by an overeager labradoodle.